Danstu nodded as he attempted to center himself. “She can transfer memories to someone too. She just shared with me the night the city of Talisan was destroyed. It’s…” he paused, holding onto Rosanheer from keeping his legs from buckling, “a lot to take in, especially from her perspective.” He rubbed his forehead as if it would somehow clear his mind. “She a… listened to her family being brutally murdered.”
Rosanheer looked away in contempt. “Yeah, by my father,” he snarled. “I’m not sure whether to congratulate you or pity you. She gave you a piece of her past, which means she trusts you a great deal. Though… Talisan? I wouldn’t want to witness that first hand,” Rosanheer said. He turned back to Danstu, seeing the tears well in his eyes. “How about I help you back to your quarters?”
Sedom watched from a distance away as Rosanheer walked with Danstu back to his housing. She wasn’t certain why she gave him the memory, only that she felt a deep need for someone to understand what she had gone through. And perhaps, someone who could speak her language, and who knew Narkoy, was the closest thing she had to kin. Not that she thought of Danstu as kin. She barely knew the man, yet she had given him a lot of trust.
She didn’t want to return right away to her own quarters, so Sedom decided to check in the infirmary. Inside the infirmary, Evolanc and Ratisha were in Noral's office. Both were leaning over a desk, looking over readouts on a computer pad.
“Of all the odds? If this is true, she isn’t going to take it well,” Ratisha spoke.
“I don't want to tell her,” Evolanc said as she began drumming her fingers on the desk. “I mean, what would it accomplish other than upsetting her? And I'd rather not upset her.”
Ratisha took a computer pad from Evolanc. “You've been here longer. Coming from you, she won't take it as hard. Considering the situation and all--”
“That’s hardly an excuse, Ratisha. Besides, you knew her before. I mean, she went out of her way to save your life,” Evolanc argued back.
Sedom leaned against the door frame, amused by the conversation. She wondered just how long it would continue on if she wouldn't say anything. But after only a short time her curiosity grew too much for her humor. “Just tell me what the hell is going on and be done with it,” Sedom griped.
The sound of her voice caused both women to turn to her. “How long have you been standing there?” Ratisha asked. Her hand was still pressed to her startled heart.
Sedom sauntered into the room, then leaned against the long counter. “Long enough to know you both are cowards. So what do you need to tell me? And just to let you know, it doesn't matter who tells me, I like you both equally.”
“Okay,” Evolanc sighed. “The child is Wyice. At least that's what his DNA claims.”
Sedom turned to the child lying unconscious in a bed near the far corner of the infirmary. “Which Wyice?” she asked calmly.
“That's what we're trying to determine,” Ratisha replied. “Mind you, when I worked with the Wyice, they were known for having many concubines. Whichever Wyice who’s his father might not even know he's alive.”
Evolanc turned to Ratisha confused. “Wait, which Wyice did you work for?”
“Sidoc,” Ratisha spoke humbled. “I was young, stupid...”
“Which reminds me,” Sedom interrupted. “I'm having the lab on level four set up for you to start work.”
“What about him?” Evolanc asked, motioning to the child.
Sedom turned back to the boy. “The pilot claimed to be the boy's father. When he wakes, I'll ask him the truth.” Sedom turned, landing into the chest of Danstu.
Danstu stepped back. “Chadon, sorry. I need your signature on these,” he said, handing her a computer pad.
Sedom scanned the pads over, then turned back to Danstu. His eyes were still cloudy from the memory she gave him. “I thought you were going to your quarters?” she asked as she read.
He started to say something, but the words wouldn’t form. “Uh,” he cleared his throat, “I decided to preoccupy my mind with something… useful.”
“Okay. I can understand that. As long as you’re okay to make decisions. What am I signing?” she asked.
“Permission for me to hire more personnel and to allocate more funds to certain key positions,” he explained. “I also need a budget… to know our finances for hiring personnel. I’m sure we don’t have unlimited funds,” he mentioned.
“And?” she asked, demanding a response for the first part of her question. She scowled as she looked at the computer then to Danstu. “You are okay?” she asked. He nodded slightly uncertain. “You do know what you're doing?” she asked. He nodded. “Okay,” she handed him her bag of firestones. “Figure out how much this is worth and we'll start from there. Also, it might be a good idea to hire a head of finance. You shouldn’t have to be handling the bookkeeping,” she said.
“I have a Quice team coming in tomorrow. They’ll be taking over the position as Chief of Finance,” Danstu mention.
Sedom nodded, thankful they were on the same page “And you... you let me know if you need anything,” she offered.
Danstu peeked inside the bag and then nodded. “I'll keep you informed.” Danstu dismissed himself, leaving as fast as he appeared.
Evolanc smirked, amused. “He is a smart one, isn't he?”
Is he? “So far he’s proven his worth. Though, he just walked off with a fortune in my firestones, so we’ll see if he sticks around.” She shook the feeling of concern aside and continued to follow Evolanc into the main infirmary.
The pilot sat up in his bed, screaming. Evolanc rested a heavy hand on his shoulder, forcing him to lie down. “You're safe.”
“Where?” He gulped as he looked around the infirmary.
“Gathow,” Sedom stepped forward. “Your ship crashed in the forest. My people rescued you.” Sedom remained at the foot of his bed. “Mind telling us who you and the boy are?”
“My boy! Where's my boy?” he asked in a panic. Sedom pointed over to the sleeping child. The man calmed. “He'll live?” he asked Evolanc.
“Yes, you two were very lucky we heard your distress call,” Sedom spoke up. “What are your names?” Sedom asked again.
The man offered his hand to Sedom. “Earl Godwin. The boy is Sanko. I found him wandering in the streets of Orisas on Cariou. They don't take kindly to orphans so I decided to take the boy and raise him.”
“You didn't look for his parents?” Sedom asked amused.
Godwin shrugged. “Saw the marks on his neck. Marks like that usually mean no good.”
“He's one of Lord Wyice's children,” Evolanc mentioned.
Godwin's face paled. “Sidoc, that Lord Wyice? Oh hell. That explains a few things.” He rested his head against his pillow, rubbing his hand over his face. “I've had the boy now for close to two years. It’s obvious Lord Wyice isn’t looking for him. I’m not worried.”
“His child?” Evolanc squirmed.
Godwin chuckled. “Lord Wyice has fathered over a hundred children. One boy won't make a damn bit of difference. He'll just make another. But on the safe side, how's my ship?”
“In pieces. My men managed to retrieve most of it. You're going to need a hell of a mechanic to put your ship back together,” Sedom explained.
“Good thing I'm a hell of a mechanic,” he joked back. “Sorry, I didn't catch your name.”
“Mechanic, hum?” Sedom smirked as she walked away, her mind racing with thoughts.
Her sudden dismissal made Godwin turn to Evolanc in question. “She's like that. I'm Evolanc, and she's,” she motioned to Sedom, who was wandering over to the child, “That's Chadon Sortec. You're in Gathow.”
“Gathow? As in the legendary city Gathow?” Godwin gasped amazed.
Evolanc nodded. “That Gathow. Get some rest. I'll bring you some food in a bit.” She followed Sedom over to the child's bed. “What's your thoughts?”
“I need a mechanic,” Sedom spoke under her breath.
“Fat
e then,” Evolanc mused.
Sedom turned back to Godwin. “Why Human? Nom’kel is testing me,” she smirked. “You need anything else?” she asked Evolanc. She shook her head, unsure what Sedom meant. It was Sedom who came to see them.
Evolanc shrugged. “It’s relatively quiet tonight, so no. I know Noral was looking for you earlier. It had something to do with the two Marisheio and Alree we have in holding. The medical staff hasn’t been given direction on how to handle prisoners.”
Sedom frowned, trying to recall what she meant. “Oh, I completely forgot we have prisoners,” she muttered to herself as she continued out of the infirmary. How could she forget almost being shot? “I’ll speak with him later. As for now, if any of them need medical assistance, tranquilize them first then render aid. Our medical staff is never permitted to enter a holding cell without two guards present,” she added.
Outside the infirmary, Sedom paused to look around. There were several more people out and about, many of their faces she had yet to memorize. Six orbs hovered above her, guarding her against the new personnel. It unnerved her having so many people around, but things were getting done. She couldn’t complain.
“Where is Zion?” she asked one of the orbs.
“In Ratisha Augers quarters, Chadon,” one of the orbs returned.
“Hum. I wonder what they’re up to?” she thought as she continued walking to Lolum’s.
Out of nowhere, Sedom felt something leap onto her shoulders. She jumped at first, then realized who it was. She glanced to her shoulder, noticing Carwavo had taken a seat on her shoulder, holding on to her left ear to remain steady.
“You needed a lift?” she asked the little tof. The tof picked through the fan’s of Sedom’s ear, stopping to nibble one of the edges. “Hey,” Sedom screeched.
“Chadon, are you okay?” called Tremble as she raced towards her.
Sedom swung Carwavo onto the top of her head as she turned to Tremble. “I’m fine. He was getting a little feisty,” she explained.
Tremble examined the tof, blinking several times as she attempted to figure out what it was.
“He’s my pet tof. I pretty much give him free rein of Gathow. With more people around, I should probably confine him to the arboretum for his own safety.”
Carwavo jumped over to Tremble, startling her at first. “Oh, uh…” Tremble paused, feeling the tof reach into her front breast pocket. He pulled out a piece of a meal bar she had been carrying in her pocket and shoved it into his mouth. Satisfied, he jumped off of Tremble and back onto the roof of the closest building.
“Sorry about that,” Sedom said within a giggle. “Um,” she waved Tremble closer to avoid from being overheard by a group of women walking by. Tremble inched in closer. “You know why Zion would be visiting Ratisha?” she asked.
Tremble glanced away, watching a passerby with distrust. “They’ve been spending a lot of time together,” she side, her words hidden behind a smile and a wink.
Sedom’s face brightened with her shock. “Seriously? Those two? I wouldn’t have pictured it,” Sedom admitted. “I guess I’m going to have to get use to… what do you call it?”
“Fraternizing?” Tremble said low.
They began to walk, passing by the group of women. There were five women in total, all of which bowed their heads as Sedom walked by. Sedom paused, recognizing the group of women as those she saved from being taken aboard the Marisheio ship.
“How is your friend?” she asked one of the women, regarding the woman who was shot trying to run away.
“Chadon, she will survive, thanks to you,” the eldest woman in the group spoke up.
“Good to hear. I hope you’re enjoying Gathow,” she said.
“Chadon,” Tremble spoke up as her hand rose to her ear. “You’re needed on the bridge.”
“Excuse me,” Sedom said to the women, stepping back to meet Tremble. They continued towards the bridge only to have Tremble guide her down another road. “They don’t need me?” Sedom questioned with concern.
“No, I was removing you from an uncomfortable situation,” Tremble mentioned. “I thought you’d prefer to go to your tower.”
Sedom nodded. “Um... thank you.”
EIGHTEEN
Zion guided Godwin into the main ship bay, nearly getting trampled by two-dozen pilots as they entered. He forced Godwin aside, allowing the pilots to pass.
“Boy, you have a lot of people around her for being an abandoned city,” Godwin mentioned.
“It’s no longer abandoned. The Chadon is attempting to reopen it,” Zion mentioned. “I believe they brought your ship over here,” he said as he pointed.
The two continued further inside the ship bay, being met by Qilo. “This him?” he called out as he approached the two men. Zion grunted. Qilo offered Godwin his hand to shake. “Captain Qilo, welcome to Gathow. That was some fine piloting out there,” he mentioned to the man.
Godwin shied away a bit. “Yes, well you do what you can not to get shot down. And about that…” he paused, glancing around the bay, “my ship?”
“You’re not going to like what you see,” Qilo warned, pointing over to the corner of the ship bay. “There isn’t much left of her,” he added.
Godwin limped over to the remains of his ship, kneeling down next to what was once his main shield. The ship was strung out in pieces among the floor. Very little was left of his ship, save for the main cockpit.
He turned to Zion and Qilo, who were standing behind him. “How the hell am I going to repair this?”
Qilo shrugged. “We have the parts, but you’re going to have to talk to the Chadon.”
“The little girl with the big head?” Godwin questioned.
Both Qilo’s and Zion’s faces paled slightly. “Uh, I wouldn’t say that to her,” Zion grumbled. “She is the Tasgool’s leader and deserves your respect. Without her, you’d be in the hands of the Marisheio,” Zion warned.
“Not to mention a bit sensitive about her age,” Qilo mentioned. He helped the man to stand then patted his shoulder as he stood. “She’s more than you’d expect… for a little girl,” Qilo mentioned.
“For now, Cidele arranged accommodations for you and your son while you recuperate. You’re welcome to join us for drinks tonight at Lolum’s,” Zion offered. Godwin turned to Zion in question. “I’ll come get you.”
Godwin offered his hand for Qilo to shake again. “Good to meet you, Captain.”
Zion guided Godwin away, taking a moment to look back at Qilo. “Captain?”
Qilo shrugged. “Sortec upgraded me,” he said within a grin.
Zion shook his head amused as he hurried up beside Godwin. “Things are getting rather odd around here.”
***
Outside the main government building, Sedom took a seat on a rock wall. Her eyes stared distantly at the building. In her mind she kept playing the last message she heard from her grandmother. Even though she couldn’t see her grandmother as she spoke, she knew she was calling Relgid from her office… the office of the Chadon.
Her eyes turned to a small stone in the wall, feeling it wobble slightly as her thin fingers played nervously with it. She was Chadon and doing everything that the position required, yet she still felt that her grandmother would return at any moment to take over.
That is my office, she yelled in her thoughts. She forced her rear off the rock wall and walked into the building.
The main doors slid open, revealing a chaotic mess of noise. People were racing around, delivering computer pads. As she walked down the long hall of offices, she could see several people talking on the coms or in meetings.
One man looked up from his com, quickly standing. “Chadon,” he announced.
The hall and the office grew eerily quiet as everyone turned to watch Sedom. Some of the workers even had gaping expressions on their mouths.
“As you were,” Sedom called out, waving her hand for them to continue their tasks.
The man in the office slow
ly sat and continued his com conversation. He constantly glanced up at Sedom until she moved on. Sedom took a step back to have a look at the doorframe. Above the doorframe read Empaaki which meant community development in Celibek. She grinned, continuing down the hall. They did have enough people within Gathow to be considered a community now.
As she walked further, many of the people stopped to bow their heads. This unnerved Sedom greatly. She finally had to pause and turn to the group. “Don’t bow. I’m not royalty. A friendly “Chadon” will do just fine,” she announced.
“Chadon,” one of the women said near Sedom.
Sedom pointed to her. “Perfect. Keep up the good work.” She continued on, finally reaching Danstu’s office.
Danstu was inside his office, pacing as he was speaking to someone on his com. She peeked around the corner noticing two other people she didn’t know were seated inside.
“If we’re dealing with as many stones as you say, we’re going to need a better place to house them other than the Chadon’s quarters,” one of the men mentioned.
“I know. I’m not certain where yet though. I also don’t know if that’s all of the stones she has. We—“ Danstu started.
“There is a vault on level six, section…” Sedom paused to think, “eight-four-essa that is large enough to house all of the stones currently in Gathow. And no, that’s not all of them,” she mentioned, walking into the room. All three men inside stood. She offered the two new men her hand. “Chadon Sedom Sortec,” she introduced.
“Chadon,” Danstu began, nearly jumping over his desk to reach her. “May I introduce Armon and Beshe Bockines. The Quice team I mentioned. They are brothers I’ve hired to handle our finances,” he explained.
“Honored, Chadon,” Armon, the shorter of the two men, said with a bow.
“Pleasure is all mine,” Sedom returned. “I’m going to check out my office. When you have a moment,” she asked Danstu, then dismissed herself.
In the hallway, she was met once again with several wide eyes. Sedom turned to them, shaking her head frustrated. “This,” she pointed to the door behind her, “is my office. You are going to have to get use to me being here,” she said.
The Last Narkoy: Gathow: Book 2 Page 26